PM lets cardboard cutout handle tougher questions
THAILAND’S prime minister has evaded journalists’ questions by producing a life-size cardboard cutout of himself and telling the reporters to quiz that instead.
Prayuth Chan-ocha then turned and walked off, leaving the mock-up behind to bemused looks and awkward laughter from the Government House press pack.
The Prime Minister had briefly spoken to the media after attending an event promoting Children’s Day but deployed his evasive tactic before anyone could press him on political issues.
“If you want to ask any questions on politics or conflict,” he said, “ask this guy.”
It isn’t the first time the PM – a general who seized power in a bloodless coup in 2014 – has dumbfounded the media.
In the past he has fondled the ear of a sound technician for several minutes during a news conference, flung a banana peel at cameramen, and threatened, with gruff humour, to execute any journalist who criticised his government.
When it took power, his government, packed with military leaders, enjoyed considerable public support for ending a prolonged period of often-violent street politics.
But as the junta’s rule has stretched on, criticism of its often-repressive policies and lack of transparency has grown markedly.